“I’ve got you, Teach,” he murmurs, his arms tightening around me until I feel almost put back together again.
“Did he really just say all that to me? Call me a club whore? Dismiss me as too emotional?” My words are baffled and muffled against his shirt.
My fingers grip the edge of his cut; the leather is warm under my skin.
“He did,” he says, but it’s obvious that admitting it out loud brings him no joy.
Even though his vehicle is long gone, I still peek back to where it was just parked. Then I look over Titus’ large shoulder and take in the concerned faces there. Opal is practically wringing her hands together and the sadness in Graycie’s eyes is palpable.
At least I don’t see pity there.
“Come on, Teach,” Titus murmurs, his lips grazing my temple. “Let’s eat dinner with our family.”
“Family,” I barely choke out the word, feeling the weight of it wrap around me in a new way.
He doesn’t say anything; he doesn’t need to. He simply nods and leads me back toward the clubhouse entrance. When I’m close enough, Opal is there to pull me into a hug.
“He’s a dick,” she whispers. “We’ve got you.”
I squeeze her a little tighter and let the truth slip free, “I know.”
When I let her go, Titus is right there. He studies my face, looking me over and ensuring I’m okay. I’m not, but I’m starting to think that I will be.
And I don’t just mean in terms of getting to the bottom of the whole carnie and Bobby situation.
CHAPTER 12
RYKER
The sound of my phone ringing has my eyes popping open. Even though I’m awake and aware, the last fucking thing I want to do is let go of my woman. I’m wrapped around her and I was having the best dream.
I let the feeling of her in my arms warm my chest.
Then the sound fills the room again and Ezra sits up straightand wheezes out, “What’s going on? What’s wrong?”
My eyes are wide as I look at her with surprise.
“I’m going to crawl over you to get to your phone if you don’t answer it right now,” she grits out the words and even though I can barely see her, I can see the threat in her eyes.
I don’t look away from her as I grab my phone and answer it without looking, “Speak.”
There are only a few people who would call me at this time of night anyway. And only if I was really needed.
“Carnie spotting,” Playboy whispers into my ear like I’m his fucking lover and I scowl.
“Why the fuck are you whispering?”
“Oh,” he hums, “it just felt more clandestine. You know, like I’m doing some real spy shit.”
I pinch the bridge of my nose and try not to snap at my brother while Ezra is watching me with a wary expression on her face. “I can’t believe I’m having this conversation right now,” I mutter.
“Sidewinder will be outside your door in about three minutes now since we’ve had this very enjoyable and amusing as fuck conversation,” he informs me and counters at the same time before hanging up.
“Fuck,” I grunt.
When I look at Ezra, there’s no fear in her eyes as she tilts her head slightly. I close the distance between us and kiss her forehead. Her eyes slide closed and it makes my chest ache.
“The carnie’s been spotted. I’m heading out. We’ll figure out what he knows and assess if there’s a threat,” my voice is steady.
